This article originates from October 2001
On 11th October 2001, Unit 1001 clocked up its 200,000th mile since returning to the main line under HDL ownership in May 1996. The 0.2-million-mile mark was reached at Doleham at 1145, whilst running the 1131 Hastings to Ashford service for South Central.
The mileage figure in fact relates specifically to the motor coaches (which have always themselves run together thus far), since the various trailer cars have only been in the train formation some of the time. To have run a preserved train such a distance, much of it in public revenue-earning service, is a remarkable achievement of which HDL can be justly proud.